Concealer vs Corrector: What is The Difference?

When it comes to makeup, it’s really smart to know the difference between a concealer vs corrector. Especially if you want to achieve that picture-perfect makeup look you’re after.

However, for those who are new to the world of makeup, understanding the main difference between a regular concealer and color correctors can be quite confusing.

While they may seem like similar products, they actually serve different purposes and are designed for different skin concerns.

In this super helpful blog post, I’m going to break down the major differences between them. I’ll discus their unique features, benefits, and ultimately help you figure out which one may be the right choice for your specific skin concerns.

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of these two products. So, let’s dive in and discover the real difference between a concealer and corrector.

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skin tone concealers vs correcting concealers — Corrector vs concealer: different brands and different textures.

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Concealer vs Corrector

Back when I didn’t know much about makeup, I used to think that foundation alone could do the trick and magically hide all my blemishes.

It wasn’t until I became a makeup artist that I discovered the true power of color correctors and skin-colored concealers.

What is a concealer?

A concealer is a makeup product that helps cover up any skin issues you might have: blemishes, redness, or any other discolorations.

The best part is that concealers help create a smoother and more even skin tone, so your skin looks clearer and more flawless.

They come in a variety of shades, just like foundation, but the consistency is a bit thicker. This means it offers more coverage for those specific problem areas.

ysl liquid concealer for under eye area — YSL Touche Eclat High Cover skin-toned concealer for under eye area.

Now, let’s talk about the different colors concealers come in. Some match your skin tone, while others come in non-skin-toned colors like blue or purple.

These non-skin-toned ones are actually called color correctors, and they can be really helpful in canceling out specific skin issues.

4x Super skin-toned concealer

If you’re in search of top-notch concealers that effectively hide dark under-eye pigmentation, you’ll be thrilled to know that numerous online shops offer a wide range of options.

The best part is, you have the freedom to choose from affordable to more luxurious options, depending on your preferences and budget.

urban decay liquid concealer — This Urban Decay concealer matches my olive/medium skin tone.

Allow me to present a curated list of exceptional concealers tailored to address mild under-eye darkness.

LA Girl Pro Conceal (budget).
Urban Decay (delivers long-lasting results).
MAC cosmetics Pro Longwear concealer (read my review).
NARS Concealer.

What is a color corrector?

Color correctors, also referred to as a color-correcting concealer, are the unsung heroes of the makeup world. Designed to counteract specific skin tones, they work their magic on imperfections and extreme under-eye darkness.

Let me break it down for you. A color corrector is basically a concealer that comes in a variety of non skin-toned colors to help you hide different types of skin imperfections.

Remember those green concealers? Well, there are more colors and each color is designed to target specific issues and give you the best natural finish.

Color corrector shades

When it comes to color correctors, there are different options to choose from:

liquid concealer,
concealer with a creamy formula
and even mineral powder concealers.

Each texture offers its own unique benefits, so it’s important to find the one that suits your (skin type) needs. I’ll cover this topic in more detail in a future blog post to prevent: “oh no, not another long blog post!”-kinda vibes.

Aside from different textures, color correctors also come in various shades. The most commonly used colors include:

green color corrector,
red or orange color corrector,
yellow color corrector,
blue, purple or lavender color corrector,
pink colour correctors (cool)
and peach color corrector (warm).

This is a reddish orange concealer from Urban Decay. You can use this to conceal dark spots and under eyes circles, for example

These correcting colors can work wonders in camouflaging unwanted tones caused by skin discoloration, acne scars, age spots, and dark under-eye circles, for example.

But how do you know which color correcting shade is right for you? No worries, I’ve got you covered. Just keep reading, and I’ll break it down for you.

Finding the right shade: what color corrector do you need?

Are you looking for the right concealer to cover dark circles and other blemishes? No worries, I’ve got you covered (pun intended)…

Choosing the right concealer actually depends on your skin tone and the specific skin issues you want to hide. It’s all about understanding how different colors can cancel each other out, according to the color theory.

I know this might sound a bit complicated, but I have a handy tool that can make it super easy for you. Enter the color wheel: your personal guide to mastering the art of color correction.

color wheel complementary colors — As a makeup artist I use this color wheel religiously. One of the things it shows is which complementary colors neutralize other colors.

The color wheel shows you opposite and complementary colors, each designed to neutralize blemishes and give your complexion a boost.

To put this in simple words: did you ever notice how certain colors can make your skin look even better? Well, there are colors that are like best buddies and can help hide imperfections in your face.

They work together to make your skin look awesome. That’s basically how you use the color wheel. Pretty cool, right?

Select the best color correctors for your skin color by consulting the grid below. Look for your skin concern to find your ideal match.

Fair skin & light skin tones

Dark under-eye circles: pink concealer (cool color).
Blue dark circles or discolorations: peach corrector (warm color).
Red spots: green concealer or a mint-colored concealer.
Purple discolorations/grey skin: yellow concealer.

Medium & Olive skin tones

Dark under-eye circles and dark spots: orange concealer.
Blue under-eye circles and spots: peach colored corrector.
Purple under-eye circles and spots: yellow concealer.
Correct grey or ashy skin: yellow concealer.
Red spots: green concealer.

Dark skin tones

Dark circles and blemishes: red concealer or orange concealer.
Correct gray skin: yellow concealer.

4 Best color-correcting concealers

Want to find the perfect color corrector? The internet is filled with great webshops where you can score some of the best correcting concealers.

The best part? You get to choose the price that suits your budget, whether you want to go for something affordable or a bit more luxurious.

colour correctors for skin imperfections

So, without further ado, here’s a list of the best color correctors out there:

LA Girl Pro Conceal (budget)
Urban Decay (stays put for a long time)
MAC cosmetics
NARS Concealer

How do you apply concealer correctly?

Would you like some tips on how to apply concealer in a correct way and prevent your color-correcting concealer from being visible? Here’s a helpful technique:

mix a small amount of skin-colored concealer with your correcting concealer
and apply it to your face before applying foundation.
This will ensure a seamless and natural finish.

If you find that you need multiple concealer shades, I recommend investing in a concealer palette like the one shown below.

There are various colors available, so take a look at different available color-correcting palettes and find the one that suits your needs best.

concealer vs corrector — Skin-toned concealers and orange, light green lavender color corrector with a creamy formula. They are from the French makeup artist brand MAQ Pro.

5 Tips for concealing dark under-eye circles

If you struggle with puffy eyes and a dark under-eye area, follow these 5 simple steps if you want to cover them effectively:

1. to achieve flawless coverage, it’s recommended to start with your concealer before applying foundation.

2. Begin by choosing a specially formulated correcting concealer that matches your skin tone to effectively address any under-eye darkness.

3. Mix it with a small amount of skin-toned concealer. Opt for a shade that’s slightly lighter, about 1 to 2 shades, than your natural skin tone to achieve a flawless look.

Additionally, this will help to avoid any color corrector hue from showing through your makeup.

3. Apply your concealer: the secret to achieving a natural look lies in your choice of tools. So, pick your weapons wisely.

Whether it’s a makeup sponge, a concealer brush or simply your fingertips, opt for something that guarantees seamless blending. That’s when the real magic happens.

4. Apply your foundation: now that you’ve worked your magic with the concealer, it’s time to take it up a notch. Apply a thin layer of foundation all over the rest of your face for that perfectly flawless and oh-so-smooth complexion.

Check out this instructional video below:

You’ll notice that in many YouTube tutorials, including the one here, the YouTuber doesn’t mix the correcting concealer with a skin-colored concealer.

Consequently, they end up having to apply a thick layer of foundation to mask the color of the correcting concealer.

While it may look flawless on camera, it won’t have the same effect in real life. Instead, you’ll be left with a noticeable and heavy layer of makeup when people see you in person.

Of course, if you love this technique, feel free to give it a try! However, I wanted to share with you another approach that can give you a more natural and subtle result.

In the following video, you’ll discover some helpful tips and tricks on how to apply correcting concealers, including what to do and what to avoid. Enjoy learning from this informative resource.

So, whether you’re looking to cover up problem areas or brighten up under your eyes, it’s important to know the difference between a corrector and concealer.

While they may seem similar, they each have their own unique purpose and can work together for a flawless finish. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination for your skin type and concerns.

With the right knowledge and products, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a flawless and radiant complexion.

About the author

Angela is a curly girl and has been a beauty blogger since 2012. Because of her passion for beauty and hair, she has been a certified makeup artist since 2016 and has done multiple hair styling trainings. As a cosmetics lover, she writes reviews on cosmetics and provides different solutions that facilitate your daily beauty and curls routine.